Choosing the Right Roofing Material for NJ’s Climate and Weather Conditions

New Jersey experiences a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Summers can be hot and humid. Winters are the opposite, often cold and snowy. If you live in New Jersey, you’re going to want to install a roof that can stand up to whatever weather the year brings. 

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt is one of the most common roofing materials. Shingles made of asphalt are valued by homeowners because they offer a good balance between durability and affordability. Asphalt roofing shingles can often hold up for two to three decades.

Asphalt shingle roofing can work well in both chilly and warm seasons, especially in an area like New Jersey which has a good deal of temperature variation throughout the year. Granted, extremely cold weather has the potential to crack an asphalt roof. Summer days with triple-digit temperatures can cause heat damage. However, New Jersey’s climate is balanced enough that you shouldn’t see too many shockingly high or low temperatures throughout the year. New Jersey temps are nothing that an asphalt roof can’t handle, especially when you choose shingles that are specifically designed for your climate zone.

For the best in weather resistance, choose architectural asphalt shingles rather than the three-tab variety. Architectural shingles are more durable in cold weather because they have a thicker construction. They can handle heavier winds than three-tab shingles too. If you get hit with a strong New Jersey storm, you’ll appreciate that feature.

The New Jersey area does sometimes experience hail. If that’s a concern for you, talk to your roofer about installing an impact-resistant variety of asphalt shingles.

Metal Roofing

Metal is becoming a more prevalent roofing choice in the New Jersey area. While asphalt shingles can last for a good 20 to 30 years when properly maintained, metal roofs can hold up even longer. Many are good for about 50 years, and some can even keep going for around 75 years.

Metal is very forgiving when it comes to temperature changes throughout the year. Whether you’re in the middle of summer heat or caught in the midst of a winter cold spell, you’ll be able to trust that your metal roof is doing just fine above your head.

In the summer, you may find that your metal roof offers you an additional advantage. This material is good at reflecting the sun’s rays. That means that your house isn’t going to absorb as much heat. When the temperature is rising higher and higher in New Jersey, you may appreciate that your air conditioner won’t have to work quite as hard to keep your house cool.

Although you might like to hope that a hurricane will never affect your property, New Jersey does occasionally experience this wild weather phenomenon. Homeowners along the coast should be prepared for the extreme wind forces that a hurricane can bring. Metal roofing is one of the best materials you can choose for hurricane preparation.

Cedar Shakes and Shingles

Some homeowners appreciate the natural look of a red cedar roof. There are two types of cedar roofing available. Cedar shakes are the thicker option. One side of them is split by hand, which gives them a rough and rustic look. Shingles are smooth on both sides because they’re shaped with a saw. Also, shingles have a thinner end and a flatter end.

In either case, a cedar roof might be a great addition to your New Jersey house. This material offers a measure of insulation for your home. You’ll appreciate that when it’s hot outside and when it’s cold. Since the roof will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, your heating and cooling system may not have to work quite as hard. As a result, your power bills may go down a bit.

However, with cedar, there is a risk of mildew development. Damp seasons may make your roof especially prone to mold and mildew infestations. To avoid this problem, it’s best to discuss treated cedar shingles and shakes with your roofer. Pre-treated wood does a good job of resisting fungal growth.

Slate Tile Roofing

If you have a large budget for your roofing project, consider installing slate tiles. Yes, this material can be on the pricey side. However, it’s incredibly durable, so you may never need to install another roof in your lifetime. No matter the weather, some slate roofs can last for 100 years.

If you experience a New Jersey winter with a higher-than-normal amount of snow and ice, you won’t have to worry about your roof. Slate can support the weight of a heavy layer of snow.

Plus, slate is ready to take on whatever storms the New Jersey sky might throw at you. This strong material can withstand high winds and pelting hail.

As with cedar, though, mildew growth can be a concern. Moss may grow on a slate roof as well. New Jersey’s shade trees can promote these developments because they drop organic debris on roofs. Plus, they provide a cool, shady environment in which moss and fungi often thrive. You’ll want to talk to your roofer about the best cleaning strategies if you decide to invest in a slate roof.

Additional New Jersey Roofing Tips

In addition to talking to your roofer about the best materials for a New Jersey roof, you may also want to ask about some additional features that can help protect your home throughout the year.

New Jersey roofs can be susceptible to a winter-weather problem called an ice dam. This happens as a heavy layer of snow melts and then refreezes. It creates a buildup of ice near the gutters, which can keep additional snow melt from draining properly. To prevent this issue, you can talk to your roofer about installing an ice and water shield.

Your asphalt roof may also benefit from the addition of roof cap shingles. These are particularly beneficial if you live in an area of the state that may get hit by high winds. Roof cap shingles protect the edges of the roof that might otherwise be susceptible to the effects of extreme weather.

Your roof may have a ridge vent. This feature promotes attic ventilation. Snowy weather can sometimes interfere with the functionality of the ridge vent, though. Ask your roofer whether baffled ridge vents would be the best choice for your house. External baffles keep snow from blocking the vents.

The best way to get a roof that holds up throughout all New Jersey weather is to choose professional installation. Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding is your experienced roofer in the Alpha area. In addition to roof replacements, we also perform roof repairs. You can turn to us for gutter and siding work as well. Plus, our roofers can apply Roof Maxx, a protective coating that helps maintain and rejuvenate your roof. A family-owned business, we’ve been installing and repairing roofs in the area since 1973. Our company is GAF Master Elite Certified, and we hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We look forward to providing your home with exceptional roofing service.

Call our office today to set up your appointment with Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding in Alpha.